Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe made his debut for Stoke City last night as they beat Huddersfield 3-0.
Tuanzebe joined Alex Neil’s Championship side on loan on transfer deadline day as he looks to get his career back on track.
Tuanzebe has not played since January 2022, when he was part of a Napoli side which conceded five goals to Fiorentina in the Italian Cup.
His loan spell in Italy did not go to plan, and he has spent the first half of the season just getting his fitness back at United.
Axel Tuanzebe celebrates Stoke debut after more than a year out
Neil told the club’s website after the game that he has to get Tuanzebe up to speed as quickly as he can, after his eight minute outing last night.
He came on for Phil Jagielka, with the score at 2-0, and will be looking for his first start in Potters colours before too much longer.
After the game, he took to Instagram to celebrate his return to action, posting a message on his story to the Stoke fans.
It read: “Appreciate the warm reaction from the fans, +3,” to celebrate the three points as well as his fitness battle taking another step forward.
Tuanzebe has not played for United since 2021, and in all truth, his loan is most likely to be an opportunity to get himself in the shop window before a permanent summer exit.
United actually have decent central defensive depth right now, and Tuanzebe’s career has stalled in the last year or two.
He needs to move on for the sake of his career, getting regular gametime at the right level where he can show his quality.
The next step is a first Stoke start, and then a run of games, and United fans and staff will likely be keeping their eyes on his progress.
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